Needle with slotted tip

Abstract

A manual surgical instrument needle for the injection of fluid into intraarticular space having a helical slot formed on its lateral surface and a closed off distal end. The slot ensures that a direct flow path into the intraarticular space is established despite the embedment of the distal tip of the needle into articular cartilage or bone or soft tissue and regardless of the needle's rotational orientation.

What is claimed is:  
     
         1 . A device for injecting fluid, comprising a hollow needle with a lateral wall having a helical slot formed there through.  
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said helical slot subtends an angle of about 360°.  
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein said hollow needle has a closed off distal end.  
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein said closed off distal end has a conical configuration.  
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 3 , wherein said closed off distal end has a beveled configuration.  
     
     
         6 . The needle of  claim 1 , wherein said slot extends about 9.0-10.0 mm along a longitudinal axis defined by said needle.  
     
     
         7 . The needle of  claim 1 , wherein said proximal end of said needle is fitted with a luer lock mechanism.  
     
     
         8 . A device for injecting fluid into an intraarticular space, comprising a hollow needle with a lateral wall having a helical slot formed there through and a closed off tapered distal end, wherein said slot terminates at a point just proximal to said taper, subtends an angle of approximately 360° and extends along the needles longitudinal axis a distance of about 9.0-10.0 mm.  
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein said tapered end has a conical configuration.  
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 8 , wherein said tapered end has a beveled configuration.